Difference between New ,Refurbished and Used Electronic gadgets (Phones, Televisions, Computers etc)

It’s quite unfortunate most of us doesn’t really know what a refurbished device is and purchase them most often thinking its a new device. If you are still in the dark as I used to be, don’t worry just sit, relax and continue reading this post to the end in order to get more insight of the difference between a refurbished and new device, dangers & merits associated with owing a refurbished device and how to determine if your device is either a refurbished device or new device.

What is a refurbished device?

Devices which were originally bought from a shop or a dealer but has been returned due to defective parts but later repaired and resold, such devices can’t be sold as new hence the term refurbished. Examples include;

Defective or damaged items that have been repaired in some way

“Open box” devices that may have been returned without being used

Damaged devices in shipping that may be scratched, or cracked

Originally leased or rented devices

Devices used as demo products in a store or at an event

Types of Devices that are not New

Open box devices

Have been returned by consumers, but in most of cases are not defective, or necessarily even used. Perhaps the customers changed their minds, but the items can no longer be sold as new. These devices may well be brand-new items that are still covered by the original warranty.

Factory refurbished items

Have been sent back to the manufacturer to be repaired. They have been restored to like-new condition by the original manufacturer, tested just like a brand-new item, and often come with a full warranty.

Used items

They’ve been previously used. These items may show wear to some degree and have typically not been repaired.

Refurbished items

Have been cleaned, repaired, and inspected to ensure they’re in like-new condition. However, “refurbished” can mean different things to different retailers the product may have been refurbished by the original manufacturer or simply fixed up by the retailer itself so read the fine print and know what you’re buying.

Dangers of Buying refurbished devices

Most often used, refurbished, and open box items offer great deals but normally comes with a risk. Used or open box items may not function as you expect and may have unfriendly return policies and lack warranties. Refurbished items, especially if they haven’t been refurbished by the manufacturer, may never have been properly repaired or tested.

Even though most refurbished goods are perfectly fine, you may find issues with some of them. Some refurbished devices may develop issues or even break down just a few days or months after purchased.

Why buy refurbished devices

Most refurbished devices are less cheaper than the new one and often comes with warranties. Aside from the warranty and the low cost, there are other reasons why refurbished mobile phones may be the best choice.

Some organizations sell them and donate the profits for charitable causes. Other agencies provide refurbished phones to victims of domestic violence to call for help if necessary. Buying a refurbished mobile phone also reduces the amount of waste produced by unwanted, older models

Final words

Considering the risks involved, don’t buy used products unless they have a warranty of some sort, and you’re willing to take a chance on them, they may be fine, but they may have problems that aren’t immediately detectable.

If you use caution, you can enjoy (nearly) new gadgets at deep-discount refurbished prices.